ABOUT

Throughout art history, beds often depicted cis-gender heterosexual white bodies. Black and brown people were not typically portrayed in these works. If people of color were present, they were often seen in the background, hidden behind their white counterparts, or fetishized for their darker skin or differing cultures. In addition, the romantic relationships displayed in these works often highlighted only one type of pairing: a man and a woman.

Produced using solarplate printmaking, Pillow Talk explores the bed space as a safe environment for queer and trans people of color. Each print portrays different patterns and plush toys akin to the person depicted. The pillows and blankets' texture highlight the beds' softness in relation to the genderless bodies residing within them. By connecting to the non-romantic aspects of the queer identity (introspection, retrospection, and understanding oneself), the viewer is called to investigate the comfort and safety that a bedroom can provide.

A secondary series known as Pillow Talk in Color (2021) was developed shortly after the original Pillow Talk (2021) series. As an extended exploration, these works highlight comfort and chaos through a variety of techniques.

In addition to these projects, Pillow Talk Retrograde (2022) shines a light on the dark underside of the original print series. by taking the formtranslated from a traditional print to a film work. More about this project can be found here.